More on the Colebrook wind farm controversy (update)

Update: COLEBROOK—The owners of a luxe bed-and-breakfast are attempting to use their property’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places to block the construction of a pair of wind tower farms near their business, claiming that the 400-foot-tall structures would have an adverse effect the 1912 Landmark

Michael and Stella Somers, who bought a 10,000-square-foot piece of Connecticut’s history — Rock Hall manor house in Colebrook — spent the next three years restoring the house and its 22-acre setting and turned their home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into a bed and breakfast, promising visitors comfort and serenity in a park-like setting, say their livelihood is threatened by BNE Energy Inc., that wants to construct at least three, 460-foot-tall commercial wind turbines within a half-mile of their B&B.

“If these turbines are sited here, that will be the end of our guests,” Stella Somers said.”These things are 40 stories high. These aren’t like cute Dutch windmills somewhere.”

Paul Corey, chairman and co-owner of BNE, said the company’s wind turbines will bring value to the area and — as they have in other New England states — attract tourists.

3 Comments to “More on the Colebrook wind farm controversy (update)”

Is it a reasonable expectation that the B&B owners have pervue over EVERYTHING within view of their property, no matter how far it is away? Is there not a risk when purchasing property that the neighborhood will change and the value of the property could increase or decrease? Were the homeowners in Flint, MI able to sue General Motors when they closed the car plant and the real estate market plummeted?

I respet their investment in their BUSINESS, but stopping a environmentally and financially beneficial project because of their personal OPINION carries no weight.

I’d also like to ask a “reverse” question: Would residents, if they currently had wind power, CHOOSE to switch over to gas and coal fired energy plants to meet their energy needs?–I doubt it.

It might just be fear of any change that scares Ms. Somers. If she were choosing a phone service where there was none, would she choose telephone poles every 50 yards over several cell towers in Litchfield County? Again, I doubt it.

Progress often means letting go to what we have always known-like burning fossil fuels for energy. CT needs to move forward in trying sustainable energy. This small test of wind power is just that, a small test for CT to learn how to implement wind power as a part of an overall energy plan to reduce dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment. I see very little risk, for what could be great rewards and progress for the residents of Litchfield and citizens of CT.

first, i would really like to hear from bne energy on their take on all this. secondly, wind turbines are nothing like cell phone towers, except for their size. has the correct review agency been enlisted to make this decision? thirdly, i do hope mrs somers is wrong about plain old curiosity. while her facility is quite lovely and luxurious i’d like to ask mrs somers if her facility would benefit from nearby green energy as an energy source and for area activities? and while i’m at it does mrs somers have a sustainability plan for rock hall? some of your potential customers may look for those features in their lodging choices, mrs somers. and i’ll also ask here, are agruments like this the reason why cell service is so poor in litchfield county?

i would be interested in seeing the distance problem solved as i do think there are some ergonomic issues with placement of turbines that needs to be worked out. there must be an answer to this. do sell companies like bne have the information and are they forthcoming about this when they present proposals to prospective clients? does bne have a standard of ethics? what guarantees do they offer? after all, wind energy is not really that new.

i am in total disagreement with the thoughts that connecticut is no place for wind energy. as a state we can’t afford to stand by and let alternative energy develop all around us. as communities we do need to educate ourselves on alternative energy solutions like wind and solar. i am heartened to see groups like Fair Wind CT working deligently to try to resolve these issues and have a say in developing statewide regulation for future wind farms in connecticut. i ask, though, connecticut residents….shouldn’t we all have a say — not just a small, priviledged handfull of concerned citizens? To Fair Winds CT i would like to see instead of a posting about a local business and their choice about fuel cell technology be amended with how fuel cell technology compares with wind technology, otherwise i’d venture that you’re on your own bandwagon that may lead to nowhere.

i’ll end with one more question…. would you and your neighbors welcome a wind farm in you home town?